Water Dispatch Representative - job 1 of 2

As a Water Dispatch Representative for the City of Fort Worth, your primary responsibility is to manage and log incoming service requests while ensuring real-time communication between field crews and residents. You'll coordinate response teams using two-way radios, handle utility locates, and maintain comprehensive records in our work management system. Your role is crucial during both routine and emergency situations, as you help protect public health and ensure quick responses to water issues.

To apply for the Water Dispatch Representative position at the City of Fort Worth, you need a high school diploma or GED along with a minimum of one year of customer service or dispatch experience. Candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish, or those with previous experience in a 24/7 dispatching operation, are preferred. A willingness to work flexible hours including nights and weekends is necessary.

The pay range for a Water Dispatch Representative at the City of Fort Worth is between $18.00 and $21.31 per hour. Additionally, employees receive an attractive benefits package including 11 paid holidays, health benefits (medical, dental, and vision), paid time off, and a pension plan, contributing to your overall well-being and job satisfaction.

The work schedule for a Water Dispatch Representative at the City of Fort Worth typically involves working Wednesday to Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 4 PM. However, it is important to note that this role operates 24/7, which may require weekend or after-hours work, especially during severe weather conditions or emergencies.

The City of Fort Worth places a strong emphasis on professional development for its employees, including Water Dispatch Representatives. Opportunities for growth may include training programs, workshops, and potential pathways for advancement within the organization, allowing employees to enhance their skills and expand their career prospects.

When discussing your customer service experience as a Water Dispatch Representative, focus on specific instances where you effectively handled customer inquiries or concerns. Highlight how your communication skills and ability to manage stressful situations contributed to positive outcomes. Use examples from previous roles where you demonstrated patience, empathy, and problem-solving skills.

In your response, express your comfort level and any prior experience you have with two-way radios. Mention any training you have received that has prepared you for using these tools effectively, and emphasize your ability to remain calm and clear in your communication during crucial moments.

When answering this question, describe your strategy for prioritizing tasks, such as assessing urgency based on the nature of the request or using a systematic approach to log and manage multiple concerns. Share an example that illustrates your ability to maintain organization even under pressure.

Discuss your approach to managing emergencies, emphasizing quick decision-making skills and following protocols. You might want to describe step-by-step how you would assess the situation, communicate with the team, and ensure that resident needs are addressed promptly.

Reflect on your previous roles that involved dispatching or customer service and outline how those experiences provided you with relevant skills. Mention specific tools, such as work management systems or field communications, that you have experience with, which aligns with the responsibilities of the Water Dispatch Representative position.

Share your passion for public service and caring for the community. Explain how the mission and values of the City of Fort Worth resonate with you and why you believe you can contribute positively to the team and the residents.

Acknowledge some of the potential challenges such as high call volumes or emergency situations. Share your coping strategies, such as staying organized, remaining calm under pressure, and relying on teamwork to overcome these obstacles.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to convey a specific challenging customer interaction. Highlight your conflict resolution skills and the steps you took to turn a negative experience into a positive one.

Highlight your attention to detail and organizational skills. Discuss methods you use to ensure accuracy in communication and record-keeping, perhaps mentioning software or documentation practices that help you maintain high standards.

Express your interest in growing within the public utility sector or advancing in roles that involve operational support and customer service. Connect this role to your career aspirations and how it serves as a stepping stone towards achieving those goals.